Pearl Diving

Pearling, an ancient occupation, was vital to Kuwait's economy at the end of the 19th century. In the 1930s this lucrative trade, already suffering due to Japanese cultured pearls, experienced a severe drop in demand because of economic depression in America and Europe, and the tradition began to die out.

However, pearling was not merely a trade or a means of subsistence for the Kuwaitis. It was an integrated social system which has left a rich heritage of traditions to be enjoyed by the present generations. The general term for pearl fishery is ghaus (literally diving) and everyone connected with it is known as ghawawis. The methods of harvesting pearl oysters hasn't changed for thousands of years and has rich heritage and folklore woven around it.

Today, this tradition is preserved in Kuwait under the patronage of HH the Amir. Every pearling season, in June, Kuwaiti youth learn about their heritage by participating in the Pearl Diving Festival, thus keeping a part of the country's history alive.

Ship Building

Kuwait has a rich maritime tradition, of which boats were an important part. Dhows, those huge wooden vessels, were a speciality of Kuwait. Even in this age of super tankers, dhow building is a carefully preserved art, though its reduced significance has now restricted this activity to the Doha Bay area. However, dhow building is a dying art since master craftsmen's sons no longer follow their fathers' profession.

The same simple material and tools, used for centuries, are still utilised. Traditionally, teak for planking and for the keel, stem, and the masts was imported from India. Rope came from Zanzibar and the sail canvas was made locally.

Falconry

Falconry, for long an integral part of desert life, grew out of a necessity to supplement the meagre diet of dates, milk and bread. However, it eventually evolved into a sport enjoyed by the rich and poor alike. Hunting parties originally pursued their quarry on horse back or on camels, but now powerful four-wheeled vehicles are used.

The Saker and the Peregrine are the two main species of falcons used in Kuwait. Wild falcons are trapped during their autumn migration and trained in readiness for the hunting season, which starts in November.